Teaching excellence rewarded: Dubai grants 223 Golden Visas to educators

Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website

Under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, more than 200 educators across the emirate have been granted the prestigious UAE Golden Visa.

The move is part of a broader strategy to attract top global teaching talent and strengthen Dubai’s position as a world-class education hub.

Read more-UAE Golden Visa now more accessible to Indian applicants

The initiative, first announced by Sheikh Hamdan on World Teachers’ Day last year, recognises the significant role educators play in shaping Dubai’s future. It is closely aligned with the city’s long-term Education 33 (E33) Strategy, a WAM report said.

“Teachers and educators are the ones who light the way forward,” said Sheikh Hamdan. “They inspire, guide, and give our children the skills and confidence to succeed. On World Teachers’ Day, we recognise their dedication and affirm that supporting them is the best investment we can make in the future of Dubai.”

He emphasised that the decision to award Golden Visas reflects Dubai’s deep appreciation for educators’ knowledge, integrity, and service. “Our schools will always be places where the future is nurtured and where the next generation can thrive,” he added.

A competitive selection process

In the first round of the Golden Visa program, 435 applications were submitted. After a comprehensive evaluation, 223 educators, accounting for 51 per cent of applicants, were selected for the 10-year residency. The selection process was based on clear professional criteria, including qualifications, achievements, contributions to the education sector, and feedback from students, parents, and the wider community.

Of the successful applicants:

• 157 recipients were from schools

• 60 from universities

• 6 from early childhood centres

The roles represented a wide spectrum, from senior leadership to social workers and librarians.

To ensure fairness, evaluators intentionally excluded demographic factors such as nationality, gender, or years of experience. Special credit was given to those who had received national or international awards, published research in recognised journals, or made exceptional contributions within their institutions or communities.

A key pillar of the E33 strategy

The Golden Visa initiative forms a core component of Dubai’s E33 education strategy, which aims to position the city as a global magnet for top-tier educators.

“Teachers are at the heart of every successful education system,” said Aisha Miran, Director-General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). “The Golden Visa initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to celebrate and elevate the teaching profession. These results reflect the incredible talent, passion, and commitment of Dubai’s educators, individuals who are making a real difference in students’ lives and contributing to the future of our city.”

She also noted that Dubai is committed to making teaching a more attractive and rewarding career path for the next generation of professionals.

Following the success of the first round, applications for the second phase of the Golden Visa initiative are now open. Educators working in private early childhood centres, schools, and international higher education institutions in Dubai are eligible to apply between October 15 and December 15, 2025.

The city’s leadership sees this as more than just a reward, it’s a long-term investment in human capital and educational excellence.